Dubai, UAE, 24 February 2011: As the region’s popular sports tournament kicks off, du has announced its partnership with UAE representative Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club as the main sponsor during the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League 2011. As part of the collaboration, Al Ain First Team will wear shirts bearing the du logo during the continental tournament.
The news was disclosed during a press conference on Thursday 24 February in Abu Dhabi. The partnership agreement was signed by H.E Mohamed Bin Thalob Al Darei, the member of Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club Board of Directors and Osman Sultan, CEO of du, and the ceremony was attended Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer, du, Dr. Khalid Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club, and members of the media.
H.E. Mohamed Bin Thalob Al Darei, the member of Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club Board of Directors expressed his pleasure at signing the sponsorship contract with du, one of the largest leading companies in the telecommunication in the country.
H.E. Al Darei considered sponsorship contract between Al Ain football first team and du a positive step that demonstrates how the private sector is keen to support sports and athletes.
He also praised du for the efforts it has made for Al Ain club in-light of the big challenges facing the first team as well as the remarkable support received from HH- the chairman of the board of directors, the members, and the loyal fans of Al Ain Club. He then wished success to both parties during the coming days.He pointed out that this agreement could boost the income of the club through its association with a highly reputed company such as du. He also said that the agreement enables the club to cooperate and interact with local, private and governmental establishments.
H.E. Al Darei concluded his speech by praising the remarkable efforts by du and expressing his wish to enjoy a continued cooperation between the two parties in serving UAE sport.Osman Sultan commended the vision and support of their highnesses in their leadership of UAE sports – specifically football - and expressed special thanks to HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan - the first Deputy Chairman of the Club, the first chairman of the board of honor, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors in AL Ain Club for giving du this opportunity.
“As a national company we wanted to be part of UAE sports achievements, and we are proud today to announce our support for Al Ain Club as a representative of the UAE in the AFC Champion League 2011,” commented Osman Sultan, CEO, du.
“As a young and dynamic brand, we are focused on supporting top sporting events in the region for the enjoyment of people in the UAE and across the world. We are also committed to empowering and nurturing young national talents across various fields and are therefore very pleased to be sponsoring the Al Ain team - which we hope will contribute to the unique position that UAE have on the international sporting map - and we wish them the very best of luck!” “Telecommunication and sports connect people together, and supporting Al Ain Club represents our corporate social responsibility toward our community, and is in continuation of our efforts in providing the best of entertainment - similar to our activities during the most recent FIFA World Cup. Therefore we dedicate this partnership specifically to Emirati football lovers and Al Ain Club fans,” concluded Sultan.